DRONES HAVE INFILTRATED

and shaken up many industries over the past decade. Their influence, along with other major technological developments, has seen advancement that’s drastically disrupted how many businesses operate.

Positively impacting sectors such as aerial photography, farming, engineering, mining, construction, search and rescue, crime prevention, and many more, it’s really no surprise that drones are now a $100 billion global industry. And, notably, all of these sectors have managed to cut costs, save time, and greatly benefit from using the services of qualified full-time drone pilots.

In South Africa, the drone-pilot profession is in its relative infancy, but it’s gaining popularity, quickly, as more and more companies realise its cost-saving and business-growth benefits. To gain more insight into the world of qualified drone pilots, PM sat down with Oliver Lane from Darkwing Aerials, a fully licensed UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) company in South Africa.

PM: What should people be doing, as the first steps to becoming a drone pilot?

OL: I was not a natural when I first started. Some people, on the other hand, pick it up immediately. For me it took time and perseverance to get it right. I realised that some of the muscle memory I’d gained from playing video games when I was younger helped me. If someone is interested in working with drones, they should first buy a controller and a simulator for their computer. Without spending too much they’ll be able to see if it’s something they enjoy. If the bug bites, get a real drone, fly it as often as you can, and see where the passion takes you. PM: To become a qualified drone pilot, what do you need to study, and what challenges will you encounter?

OL: South Africa is currently one of the most difficult places in the world to obtain a drone operator’s licence, especially compared to counties such as the US or England. First you must obtain your remote pilot licence (RPL) through a school that’s accredited by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). It’s a ground course consisting of five weeks of theoretical subjects such as meteorology, technicaland general aircraft concepts, air spaces, radio communications and human factors, and then exams on each topic. Next is the practical part with an instructor, to prove competency. If successful, an assessor will sign you off. But you then can’t just go out and fly as a registered drone operator. You must operate through a licensed drone company… There are only about 25 of these in South Africa, because it’s a long process for them to become accredited with the SACAA.

PM: If someone has already got their RPL, but no experience, what should they do?

OL: I’d suggest applying to a company and get involved as I did. Ask to join film sets as an assistant and then gradually work your way up, involving yourself by helping more experienced pilots, and doing the easier work until you’re skilled enough to take on more challenging work.

PM: It’s become clear that drone use in many industries can greatly improve productivity and outcomes. This indicates that employment opportunities are likely expanding. What are your thoughts on this?

OL: The drone industry continues to absorb tasks that were traditionally done by helicopters, such as work in the security sector. Every day we’re seeing new ways that drones can be used, and in turn sectors in which qualified drone pilots can eventually become experts, if they apply themselves. Property surveillance thermal scanning, for example, is becoming a big thing in South Africa, particularly within the farming industry. So yes, new opportunities are constantly appearing, and, in my opinion, only positive things lie ahead for this line of work.

Oliver Lane is a qualified drone pilot, who flies for Darkwing Aerials, a licensed unmanned aerial vehicle company in South Africa. Drones are often customised by their pilots, making them more suitable for specific tasks. This particular drone is used to film racing cars on track. Drones are used to track wildlife, and they play a crucially important role in anti-poaching efforts. One industry that uses drones extensively is mining, for surveying, inspections, and monitoring.

Wearing goggles is a more immersive way of piloting a drone, as there are fewer distractions. Here a pilot controls a drone that’s tracking racing cars.

Aerial drones are able to track their subjects at high speed, capturing visuals that would have required a helicopter in the past.

A drone captures footage of a racing car hurtling around a track.